JO'S APARTMENT. AN OPEN SUITCASE LIES ON THE SOFA, NEXT TO A HUGE PILE OF CLOTHING. JO IS STANDING BEFORE THE MIRROR, HOLDING TWO SWEATERS AGAINST HER.

SHE WALKS BACK TO THE BED AND PUTS THE GREEN SWEATER INTO THE SUITCASE. SHE IMMEDIATELY TAKES IT OUT AGAIN.

SHE SITS DOWN AMONG THE CLOTHING.

THE PHONE RINGS, STARTLING JO.

JO PICKS UP THE PHONE. IT IS VERN, TWO-WAY.

JO: 4:00? Uh...

VERN: Don't rush. Our reservations are guaranteed.

JO: I... appreciate that, Vern.

VERN: Can I tell you something, Jo?

JO: What is it?

VERN: Part of me is a little nervous about this trip. (BEAT) I've packed and unpacked three times.

JO: Oh thank goodness. I thought it was just me.

THE TWO LAUGH. JO OBVIOUSLY BRIGHTENS.

JO: Me, too. (BEAT) Now, you'd better let me hang up. I've got to pack one more time!

VERN: All right. See you soon.

HOLD ON JO, HUMMING TO HERSELF AS SHE RESUMES PACKING HER SUITCASE.

CUT TO: SPENCER'S OFFICE. CARRIE IS SEATED IN A CHAIR. SPENCER IS PACING BACK AND FORTH IN FRONT OF HER. HE ACTS BELLIGERENT AND SCOWLS WHENEVER HE LOOKS DIRECTLY AT HER. HE OCCASIONALLY STOPS AND HOVERS OVER HER. THERE IS A PHOTOGRAPH OF GUS BARTOLI TACKED TO THE WALL. IN PROGRESS.

CARRIE: I was leaving the building with my... friend, Austin Reed. We were leaving the Bella Magazine "Face of the Nineties" contest.

SPENCER: And Mr. Reed was holding you... twirling you around, is that correct?

CARRIE: Yes. I had won the contest, and we were very happy. Austin gave me a hug and twirled me around.

SPENCER: So you were spinning in circles when someone threw acid in your direction?

CARRIE: It wasn't just someone. It was that man sitting over there. (BEAT, AS SHE POINTS TO THE PHOTO OF GUS ON THE WALL) It was Gus Bartoli.

SPENCER STOPS TO STAND OVER CARRIE AND LOOKS DOWN HIS NOSE AT HER.

CARRIE: I saw him clearly. I'll never forget it. It was Gus Bartoli.

SPENCER: All right, Ms. Brady. Assuming it was the defendant that attacked you, why do you think he did it? What could you have done to him to make him want to injure you like that?

CARRIE: (FLUSTERED) Me? Why, I... (REGAINING HER COMPOSURE) I never did anything to him.

SPENCER: (LEANING OVER AND SCOWLING AT CARRIE) Just one more thing, Ms. Brady... (BEAT, AS SPENCER'S SCOWL MELTS INTO A GRIN) You've done very well.

CARRIE SMILES. SPENCER RETURNS TO HIS DESK AND SITS DOWN. CARRIE TURNS HER CHAIR TO FACE HIM.

CARRIE: You really think I did okay?

SPENCER: Absolutely. You stayed calm and composed, no matter what I threw at you. Even when I tried to turn the whole thing on you, you kept your head.

CARRIE: I just hope I'm able to keep it together for the real thing on Monday.

SPENCER: I have no doubt that you will.

CARRIE: Mr. Hanlen, can I ask you something?

SPENCER: Sure.

CARRIE: Will Gus Bartoli's lawyer be as tough on me as you were?

SPENCER: Well, I do have a reputation for being pretty tough... To be honest, I'm not sure. Bartoli's attorney will try to break you down, try to bring your credibility into question. It might get a little rough.

CARRIE WINCES.

CARRIE: I hope so.

HOLD ON CARRIE'S APPREHENSION.

CUT TO: ECOSYSTEMS / PATRICIA'S DESK. LEIGH, COMING OUT OF HER OFFICE, SEES PATRICIA AND WALKS OVER TO TALK TO HER.

PATRICIA: He called in a few minutes ago. He said he had some business to attend to, and that he'd come in when he was finished.

LEIGH: Did he give you any details? Tell you exactly what business this was?

PATRICIA: No. We didn't talk long, he was rather abrupt.

LEIGH: I cannot believe that man! He's taken more "personal" days in the last 2 months than I have in my entire career! I have no idea what he's thinking.

PATRICIA: Maybe he'll be in soon...

LEIGH: The point is, nothing has changed. I have no idea if I'm ever going to get through to him....

OUT ON LEIGH'S FRUSTRATION.

CARVER AND CARVER / LEXIE'S OFFICE. ABE IS PACING, WHILE LEXIE, SEATED AT HER DESK, REVIEWS THE CONTENTS OF A CASE FOLDER.

LEXIE: I hate crawling through bushes trying to catch some guy cheating on his wife as much as you do.

ABE: It's sleazy. It goes against everything we stand for.

LEXIE: I'm not arguing that point. But the fact remains that we've got a stack of bills and not too many ways to pay them.

ABE: We're getting by.

LEXIE: Barely. And that's with John's help.

ABE STOPS PACING AND SITS DOWN ACROSS FROM LEXIE.

LEXIE: I don't think he sees it as bailing us out. He is a partner, after all.

ABE: Yeah, a partner who's put in more than his fair share of capital.

LEXIE: So we're agreed then? We'll take the case.

ABE: Agreed. But you're in charge of the camera.

LEXIE: Oh no, I'm not!

ABE: Play you for it...

HOLD ON LEXIE AND ABE PLAYING ONE POTATO, TWO POTATO.

CUT TO: DONOVAN LIVING ROOM/FOYER. THE FRONT DOOR OPENS AND SHANE ENTERS, SORTING THROUGH THE MAIL.

HE PUTS THE MAIL ON THE HALL TABLE AND HANGS HIS COAT IN THE CLOSET. HE PICKS UP THE MAGAZINE AGAIN AND STARTS FLIPPING THROUGH THE PAGES. WALKING INTO THE LIVING ROOM, SHANE, STILL ABSORBED IN THE MAGAZINE, TURNS ON THE ANSWERING MACHINE AS HE PASSES IT.

WE HEAR THE MESSAGE ON THE MACHINE. IT IS PERCY'S VOICE.

SHANE RAISES AN EYEBROW AT THIS, AND STOPS TO GIVE THE MACHINE HIS FULL ATTENTION.

SHANE: Now I wonder what that's all about? Eve's got some explaining to do...

HOLD ON SHANE'S PUZZLEMENT.

CUT TO: JO'S APARTMENT. JO SETS DOWN HER SUITCASE ON THE FLOOR NEAR THE FRONT DOOR.

JO STARTS WALKING INTO HER BEDROOM, WHEN THERE IS A KNOCK AT HER DOOR.

JO OPENS THE DOOR TO FIND JENNIFER AND ABIGAIL.

JENNIFER: Hi, Jo. I hope it's not a bad time. Abby wanted to see her Grandma Jo.

JO: Oh no, it's not a bad time. I love seeing my beautiful granddaughter.

JO TAKES ABIGAIL FROM JENNIFER.

JENNIFER NOTICES THE SUITCASE.

JACK SUDDENLY APPEARS IN THE DOORWAY.

JO: Jack! Oh my, I didn't see you there!

JACK ENTERS JO'S APARTMENT AND CLOSES THE FRONT DOOR. JO PUTS DOWN ABIGAIL.

JO: Oh, Jennifer was asking if today was the day that I start my new exercise class.

JENNIFER: (CATCHING ON) Yeah... See, Jo was telling me about the new leotard she bought.

ABIGAIL WANDERS OFF IN THE DIRECTION OF THE KITCHEN.

JACK: (SUSPICIOUS) Uh-huh...

JO INCONSPICUOUSLY TRIES TO HIDE HER SUITCASE BY STANDING IN FRONT OF IT. SHE FIDGETS NERVOUSLY.

JENNIFER: I dragged him out of a meeting to come with Abby and me.

ABIGAIL RUNS UP TO JACK, HER HANDS COVERED WITH CHOCOLATE.

JACK BENDS DOWN AND LOOKS AT ABIGAIL'S HANDS.

JACK TICKLES ABIGAIL, WHO BURSTS INTO GIGGLES.

WITHOUT MOVING FROM IN FRONT OF THE SUITCASE, JO POINTS TOWARDS THE KITCHEN.

JACK NOTICES THAT JO IS OBVIOUSLY HIDING SOMETHING BEHIND HER.

JACK PEERS AROUND JO AND SEES THE SUITCASE. JO TURNS A BRIGHT SHADE OF PINK.

OUT ON JO'S CHAGRIN.

CARRIE'S APARTMENT. CARRIE STANDS UNCERTAINLY, HOLDING THE PHONE RECEIVER. SHE FINALLY PICKS UP THE PHONE AND DIALS QUICKLY. JONAH ANSWERS, TWO WAY.

JONAH: Carrie! How's our star witness?

CARRIE: A little jittery about Monday. (BEAT) Actually, a lot jittery about Monday.

JONAH: And I know it's killing you to admit it. Anything I can do to help?

CARRIE: That's why I'm calling. I need a favor.

JONAH: Just name it.

CARRIE: I don't want to stay here alone. Can I come over and stay with you and Abe and Lexie?

JONAH: You know you don't have to ask, silly. The door is always open for you.

CARRIE: Thanks. I'll just throw some stuff together and come right over.

JONAH: It'll be fun. Just like those camp-outs in the backyard we used to have when we were kids. We'll stay up all night!

CARRIE: You mean the ones where you'd conk out as soon as the porch light was off?

JONAH: Exactly!

CARRIE: Thanks a lot, buddy. I'll feel so much safer hearing your snore...

HOLD ON CARRIE'S SMILE.

CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER / ABE'S OFFICE. ABE IS SITTING AT HIS DESK. THERE'S A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

SHANE WALKS INTO THE OFFICE.

ABE RISES TO SHAKE SHANE'S HAND.

ABE: You, too. I haven't seen you since the confab at Janet's office. What brings you to this part of town?

SHANE PULLS UP A CHAIR AND SITS ACROSS FROM ABE.

ABE: You're ISA, Shane, I think you were born with one.

THE TWO MEN LAUGH AS THE DOOR OPENS AND LEXIE WALKS IN.

SHANE AND ABE LAUGH.

SHANE: Your husband just asked me that very question.

LEXIE: Well, how did you answer him?

SHANE: I haven't yet.

LEXIE: It's some deep, dark ISA secret, isn't it?

SHANE: (THROWING UP HIS HANDS) I surrender.

ABE: I knew it, it is some ISA business.

SHANE: In fact, I came by to say hello to two of my oldest friends. We haven't had much of a chance to talk since I got back.

ABE: No ISA mission?

LEXIE: No romance, no intrigue, no mystery?

SHANE: Not lately...

ABE: (TO LEXIE) His life sounds as boring as ours.

LEXIE: Speak for yourself, dearest husband...

SHANE: Pax! All I wanted to do was come by and congratulate the two of you on starting your own business. I'm impressed. It can be quite an undertaking.

LEXIE: You can say that again.

SHANE: So, what made you two give up the Salem PD?

ABE: A little bit of everything... Budget cuts...

LEXIE: Enough paperwork to choke a horse.

ABE: Bureaucracy.

SHANE: Ah. The usual. (GRINS) Sounds like the ISA.

ABE: Now how do you get that? An international intelligence organization like a small city police department?

SHANE: Abe, my friend, the stories I could tell you...

LEXIE: Tell away.

SHANE: When I first left Salem I had important, fulfilling... and I admit... sometimes dangerous missions.

ABE: And you liked it...

SHANE: I loved it. But the past few months...

LEXIE: Romance, mystery, intrigue?

ABE: Lex...

SHANE: Would that it were so. Sadly, I've spent the past few months on cases too ridiculous to be believed.

ABE: Like?

SHANE: Well, there was the royal bodyguard duty.

LEXIE: Royal? Like royal family? The Queen Mum, Elizabeth R, the Prince of Wales...

SHANE: Not exactly.

ABE: Ohhh... one of the out-of-favor royals? Perhaps a duchess or a princess?

SHANE: Not really...

LEXIE: Come on, Shane, don't keep us in suspense.

SHANE: I was guarding the royal hounds.

LEXIE AND ABE TRY TO KEEP STRAIGHT FACES, BUT SUCCUMB TO LAUGHTER.

ABE: From the look on your face, we're not talking crown jewels.

SHANE: No. It was a stickpin owned by the queen of a country so small I can't remember its name.

LEXIE: Stolen by international jewel thieves?

SHANE: Lying on the floor behind the royal bed.

ABE: (JOKING) How the mighty have fallen.

SHANE: If the ISA doesn't give me some decent work soon, I'm moving back to Salem and applying for a job with Carver and Carver.

LEXIE: You're hired.

SHANE: I am?

ABE: He is?

LEXIE: With that accent, we could do TV and radio spots. The clients would love it. I can see it now... Carver, Carver and Donovan, the Salem Street Irregulars...

HOLD ON ABE, LEXIE, AND SHANE'S LAUGHTER.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN LIVING ROOM. JOHN IS SITTING ON THE COUCH WHEN VIVIAN ENTERS.

JOHN: (STANDING UP) Vivian.

VIVIAN: When Lawrence told me I had a visitor, I didn't realize it was you.

JOHN: I thought I'd give you my answer.

VIVIAN: And...

JOHN: I've been putting a lot of thought into this and... I've decided to help you.

VIVIAN NERVOUSLY LOOKS AROUND.

JOHN: Don't worry. I told Lawrence that I needed to discuss business with you.

VIVIAN: And he bought it?

JOHN: Well, he didn't give me a hard time about speaking with you.

VIVIAN: Hopefully he doesn't suspect anything. (RELAXING A LITTLE) Thank you for agreeing to help us.

JOHN: I'm still going to keep a close eye on you.

VIVIAN: Of course. But you must have realized that Lawrence is making our lives utterly miserable.

JOHN: Perhaps. I'm doing this mainly for Nikki's sake. A child shouldn't grow up in an environment like this.

VIVIAN: Yes, the poor dear. It's all taking a great toll on him. (BEAT) What are you planning on doing?

JOHN: I'm not sure yet...

UNNOTICED BY BOTH JOHN AND VIVIAN, LAWRENCE WALKS INTO THE LIVING ROOM.

LAWRENCE: Work out a plan for what, John?

OUT ON VIVIAN AND JOHN'S SHOCK.

JO'S APARTMENT. JACK, JENNIFER, ABIGAIL AND JO. IN PROGRESS.

JACK GESTURES TO THE SUITCASE BEHIND JO.

JO LOOKS AT THE SUITCASE IN SURPRISE.

JACK: Spring cleaning in February?

BEHIND JACK'S BACK, JENNIFER GIVES JO AN ENCOURAGING NOD.

JO SMILES TENTATIVELY AT JENNIFER AND THEN NODS. JO TAKES A DEEP BREATH.

JACK: You're... you're...

JENNIFER: (QUICKLY) That's wonderful, Jo! Where are you going?

JACK: She's not going anywhere! (TO JO) You can't do this, Jo. And with Vern, no less. That's why that turncoat's not in the office today. He's had this whole thing planned...

JENNIFER PUTS HER HAND ON JACK'S ARM.

JACK: Says who? I...

JENNIFER: Jack. Do you remember our conversation about sharing Jo?

JACK OPENS HIS MOUTH, THEN PURSES HIS LIPS, RELUCTANTLY FALLING SILENT. JENNIFER LOOKS AT HER WATCH, BENDS DOWN AND PICKS UP ABIGAIL.

JENNIFER TURNS TO JO, GIVING HER A BIG HUG.

JO: Thank you, Jennifer. I will.

JACK OPENS HIS MOUTH TO SPEAK, BUT JENNIFER DRAGS HIM OUT THE DOOR. THE DOOR IS ALMOST SHUT, WHEN JACK STICKS HIS HEAD AROUND IT.

JO: (SMILING) I will, son. I promise.

THE DOOR SHUTS AND JO LEANS AGAINST IT WITH A SIGH. HOLD ON JO.

CUT TO: CARVER AND CARVER / ABE'S OFFICE. ABE IS HANGING UP THE PHONE, WHEN LEXIE WALKS IN, CARRYING A BAG.

LEXIE SETS THE BAG DOWN ON ABE'S DESK. ABE STANDS AND OPENS THE BAG.

LEXIE: Sure did.

ABE FINDS HIS SANDWICH, TAKES IT OUT OF THE BAG, UNWRAPS IT AND STARTS EATING.

ABE: No, it was Mr. Nakamura.

LEXIE: The nice man in the building next door?

ABE: Uh-huh. His daughter lives down the street, and last night someone broke into her apartment.

LEXIE: Not another break-in?

ABE: (FRUSTRATED) I'm afraid so. I don't understand why our own police force can't help stop the crime.

LEXIE: I don't think it's a top priority to them.

ABE: Everything should be top priority!

LEXIE: What about your idea of starting a neighborhood watch? I thought that was a good idea.

ABE: It is a good idea. But I don't think that either of us has the time right now to put together a project like that.

LEXIE: You're right. We barely have time to eat lunch.

ABE: I just wish that everyone could start to feel safe in this neighborhood.

LEXIE: Have you tried talking to the neighbors? Maybe one of them would be willing to organize something?

ABE: I haven't really asked anyone yet, but it's worth a shot.

LEXIE: Sure it is! We'll bring it up the next time we're at the Community Center. I can fix up some flyers, and maybe someone will take the idea and run with it.

ABE STANDS UP AND GIVES LEXIE A BIG KISS.

LEXIE: And don't you ever forget it!

ABE: (LAUGHING) Aye, aye!

LEXIE: (SMILING) Now that we understand just who's boss around here, let's get some work done.

ABE SALUTES LEXIE, WHO WADS UP A PIECE OF PAPER AND THROWS IT AT HIM. HOLD ON THE TWO.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN LIVING ROOM. JOHN AND VIVIAN ARE SITTING ON THE COUCH. LAWRENCE HAS JUST ENTERED. IN PROGRESS.

VIVIAN, FRIGHTENED, GLANCES AT JOHN.

LAWRENCE: I see. What is it?

JOHN: My, you're full of questions today, Lawrence.

LAWRENCE: I want to make sure you're not running any Alamain businesses into the ground.

JOHN: Sorry to disappoint you. Actually, our researchers have come up with some new, environmentally safe manufacturing processes that I think we should start applying at EcoSystems, at least on a trial basis.

LAWRENCE: Sounds like you want to throw away more money...

VIVIAN: Lawrence, if you have nothing constructive to say, why don't you just go find someone else to terrorize?

LAWRENCE: My, Auntie... a little touchy, aren't we?

LAWRENCE TURNS AND WALKS INTO THE SOLARIUM.

JOHN: That's all right. I do have some business matters to discuss with you.

VIVIAN: Really?

JOHN: Yes. In fact, what I told Lawrence about EcoSystems is true. I wanted to ask you about the best way to finance the project...

VIVIAN: You're serious.

JOHN: Of course I'm serious. (GETTING OUT A NOTE PAD AND PAPER) This is my job. I figure it's time I started doing it.

VIVIAN: Well, I'm impressed. I'm glad to see you taking an active interest in the business.

JOHN: Good. Now, about that financing...

GO TO: THE SOLARIUM. LAWRENCE IS STANDING AMONG VIVIAN'S ORCHIDS, TRYING TO EAVESDROP ON JOHN AND VIVIAN WITHOUT BEING SEEN.

LAWRENCE IS FRUSTRATED AT NOT BEING ABLE TO HEAR ANYTHING. HE TRIES TO GET CLOSER.

GO TO: THE LIVING ROOM. JOHN IS TAKING NOTES AS VIVIAN ANSWERS HIS QUESTIONS.

VIVIAN: It would be suicide right now. The market simply isn't there. (BEAT) I don't mind risks, but I don't see any substantial benefits with the economy the way it is. But file your ideas. They could be useful another time.

JOHN: All right. (BEAT, AS HE READS OVER HIS NOTES) Okay, one more. Northeast Shipping Lines.

VIVIAN: What about it?

JOHN: (GLANCING AT HIS NOTES AGAIN) Profits have been steadily declining since 1991.

VIVIAN: That's because David Morris is an old fogey who refuses to come into the 20th century.

JOHN: Morris, Morris... He's Chairman of the Board, right?

VIVIAN: Yes.

JOHN: What's he doing that's hurting the company?

VIVIAN: He's from the "old school." He hates change, even when it could be immensely beneficial. Northeast could be much more efficient in its billing, tracking, order processing... everything. But Morris is afraid of technology.

JOHN: What do you propose?

VIVIAN: Replace him. He's ready to retire, anyway.

JOHN: Who should I put in his place?

VIVIAN: I don't know... Someone dynamic, someone who's willing to take risks, to invest now for larger gains later.

JOHN: Someone like you?

VIVIAN: Oh, I don't know about that. Perhaps I could be persuaded...

JOHN: I'll think about it. (BEAT) Thanks for your input, Vivian. I really appreciate it.

VIVIAN: You're welcome, I...

LAWRENCE RE-ENTERS THE ROOM.

JOHN: (STANDING) Don't worry, Lawrence, I'm on my way out.

VIVIAN: (STANDING) Well, John, you'll let me know if I can answer any more questions for you.

JOHN: Yes, I will. And I'll let you know when I come up with a specific plan... for EcoSystems. I'd like your input on it.

VIVIAN: Certainly.

JOHN: I'll talk to you later, then. Tell Nikki hello for me.

VIVIAN: I will. Good night.

JOHN: Good night.

JOHN TURNS TO LEAVE. HE LOOKS AT LAWRENCE.

LAWRENCE: John.

JOHN EXITS. LAWRENCE GLARES SUSPICIOUSLY AT VIVIAN. VIVIAN DOES HER BEST TO NOT SHOW HER NERVOUSNESS. OUT ON VIVIAN.

JACK AND JENNIFER'S CAR. WHILE JACK DRIVES, JENNIFER CHECKS ON ABIGAIL, WHO HAS FALLEN ASLEEP IN HER CAR SEAT.

JACK: Uh-huh.

JENNIFER: Jack, don't tell me you're still upset about Jo.

JACK: I can't believe those two. They're acting like a couple of teenagers... going away for the weekend...

JENNIFER: What's wrong with that? I think it's very romantic.

JACK: That's not the point.

JENNIFER: I thought we went over this. You shouldn't worry about having to share Jo with someone else. It's natural that she would want some companionship.

JACK: I know that. And, yes, maybe I am a little anxious about losing some of my mother's attention. (DEEP BREATH) But, it doesn't seem right.

JENNIFER: What could be more "right" than two people who want to be together?

JACK: When it comes to relationships, Vern doesn't...

JACK'S VOICE TRAILS OFF.

ABIGAIL WAKES UP AND STARTS TO CRY.

JENNIFER TURNS TOWARDS ABIGAIL AND TRIES TO SOOTHE HER.

AS JENNIFER CALMS ABIGAIL, HOLD ON JACK, SOMBER.

CUT TO: CARVER LIVING ROOM/FRONT PORCH. ABE AND LEXIE WALK UP TO THE DOOR, LEXIE LEANING ON ABE'S SHOULDER.

ABE: You never know... (KISSING HER) It might get better real fast...

HIS ARM AROUND LEXIE, ABE UNLOCKS THE DOOR AND THEY WALK IN. CARRIE AND JONAH ARE SITTING ON THE SOFA. THEY TURN WHEN ABE AND LEXIE ENTER.

CARRIE: Abe, I'm sorry. I kind of invited myself over.

JONAH: (LOOKING AT LEXIE) I told her it was okay.

ABE: Well, of course it's okay. I promised Roman I'd look after Carrie. Our door is always open. I'm just a little surprised.

LEXIE: You know, you could have called and told us, Jonah.

JONAH: Sorry. I didn't think of it.

LEXIE: Naturally.

LEXIE AND JONAH FROWN AT EACH OTHER AS CARRIE FIDGETS AWKWARDLY.

ABE: Us, plans? The most boring PIs in the city? Perish the thought. We're glad to survive work and make it home in one piece.

LEXIE: That's pretty accurate. It was a long day.

CARRIE: I can go... you're tired...

ABE: Us? Never? What I think we have here is... a party.

LEXIE: A party?

ABE: Absolutely. Why don't we pop popcorn, order a pizza and rent some old movies?

CARRIE: That sounds great!

LEXIE: I'll call the pizza place.

ABE: And I'll rustle up some popcorn.

CARRIE: I'll help!

JONAH: No you won't. We have a smoke alarm in the kitchen, Brady. Remember what happened the last time you tried to pop popcorn?

CARRIE: Are you still holding that little incident with the Fire Department against me.

ABE: Fire Department?

JONAH: Don't ask. We'll do the movie, you do the popcorn. Deal?

ABE: Deal.

HOLD ON JONAH AND ABE SHAKING HANDS.

CUT TO: LEIGH'S OFFICE. LEIGH IS PERUSING SOME PAPERWORK, FROWNING. SHE LOOKS UP AT A KNOCK ON THE DOOR. JOHN COMES IN BEFORE SHE CAN RESPOND.

JOHN: I've been in a business meeting.

LEIGH: I see. Exactly which business did this meeting involve? The P.I. business, the family business, or perhaps more mysterious-trip-to-Europe business?

JOHN: EcoSystems business, Ms. McCloud.

LEIGH: What a nice change of pace...

JOHN: So you know, I've spent the morning doing research on my Alamain holdings, Ecosystems among them.

LEIGH: Research? On business?

JOHN: Of course. You didn't think I was goofing off, did you? Oh, Ms. McCloud, you wound me to the quick. I spent this morning discussing Alamain holdings with my Aunt, Vivian.

LEIGH: Vivian Alamain? I'm listening...

JOHN: Quite a businesswoman. Reminds me of someone else I know... I've given Patricia my notes, you'll receive a copy on Monday.

LEIGH: Notes? You took notes? Well, I must say, Mr. Black, I'm surprised. Pleasantly so.

JOHN: Just trying to keep you on your toes.

LEIGH: Well, you've succeeded. But you've also given me some hope... that you might actually be taking an interest in this business...

OUT ON JOHN'S AMUSEMENT.

EUTERPE. THE ROOM IS EMPTY. EVE IS ABSENTLY PUTTING AWAY CLEAN GLASSES AT THE BAR, AS IAN COMES OUT OF THE CONTROL BOOTH.

EVE: I'm okay... (SIGHS) Nothing's wrong... really...

IAN: You want some music, or would you prefer quiet.

EVE: Um, wha... oh, I don't care.

IAN: You don't care? Well, let's see... what am I in the mood for? I've got it... show tunes! Perhaps "The Sound of Music?" I do a mean Julie Andrews impression...

EVE: Please! Although I can't think of anything that sounds quite as bizarre as you doing a Julie Andrews impersonation...

IAN: I assure you, I'm quite good. But maybe not tonight.

EVE: Thank heaven for small favors...

IAN WALKS INTO THE CONTROL BOOTH AND PUTS A CD IN THE PLAYER. WE HEAR DEBUSSY'S "CLAIR DE LUNE." HE WALKS BACK TO EVE.

EVE: It's fine... it's nice...

IAN: So, are you going to tell me what's wrong, or am I going to have to start breaking glasses?

EVE: If anyone gets to break glasses, it's me.

IAN: That bad? Tell me everything.

EVE: I'm okay... Just depressed, I guess... nothing specific. I'm used to it...

IAN: Eve, you should never get used to depression. Once your body is programmed to accept negative moods, it's much easier for them to settle in.

EVE: You are so deep, sometimes, Ian...

IAN: Is it helping?

EVE: No... but thanks...

IAN: What can I do that would help?

EVE: You know... I think it might help if someone... if someone just held me. It's been a long time since that's happened.

IAN: (OPENS HIS ARMS) C'mere, you.

EVE GOES INTO HIS OPEN ARMS AND THEY HUG. IAN HAS A FRIENDLY SMILE, BUT EVE SUDDENLY SMILES WICKEDLY. HOLD ON EVE'S EPIPHANY.

CUT TO: ALAMAIN ATTIC. VIVIAN AND IVAN. IN PROGRESS.

IVAN: You are sure, Madame?

VIVIAN: He said he would. And I do take John at his word. He tends to be a very... honorable man.

IVAN: I agree.

THERE IS A NOISE AT THE DOOR AND BOTH VIVIAN AND IVAN FREEZE AND TURN TO LOOK AT THE DOOR. THE DOOR OPENS, AND NICHOLAS SLIPS INSIDE, SHUTTING THE DOOR QUIETLY BEHIND HIM.

NICHOLAS RUNS TO HIS AUNT AND GIVES HER A HUG.

NICHOLAS: I was, Aunt Viv. Here. (DIGGING INTO HIS POCKET) I brought you some chocolate.

VIVIAN TAKES THE TWO CHOCOLATE BARS NICHOLAS OFFERS HER.

NICHOLAS: I know how much you like chocolate...

VIVIAN: You are so thoughtful...

NICHOLAS: How did things go with Uncle John today?

VIVIAN: Oh, Nikki! He's agreed to help us!

NICHOLAS: Really?

VIVIAN: Really. I was just telling Ivan the good news.

NICHOLAS: I knew Uncle John was cool.

VIVIAN: Well, I wouldn't use quite that word, but I agree. Now then, how are you holding up?

NICHOLAS: Better. Especially now that I know it's almost over.

VIVIAN: I do hope you're right.

NICHOLAS: I have to be...

VIVIAN HUGS NICHOLAS TIGHTLY, NEAR TEARS.

NICHOLAS: Okay. Good night, Aunt Vivian.

VIVIAN: Good night, Nikki.

NICHOLAS WALKS OVER TO IVAN AND HOLDS OUT HIS HAND. THEY SHAKE HANDS.

IVAN: Good night, Master Nicholas.

NICHOLAS QUICKLY SLIPS OUT THE DOOR. VIVIAN TURNS TO IVAN.

IVAN TAKES VIVIAN'S HAND, RAISES IT TO HIS LIPS AND GENTLY KISSES IT. HOLD ON THE TWO.

CUT TO: CARVER KITCHEN. LEXIE IS REFILLING THE POPCORN BOWL. CARRIE IS GETTING SODAS FROM THE REFRIGERATOR. IN PROGRESS.

LEXIE: Did he?

CARRIE: Well, I was kind of scared. I'd never seen him that intense before. (BEAT) But I didn't let it show. At least, that's what Mr. Hanlen said.

LEXIE: Good for you! It sounds like you're ready to testify.

CARRIE: I don't know.

LEXIE: What do you mean, you don't know?

THEY LEAVE THE KITCHEN AND WALK INTO THE LIVING ROOM.

CUT TO: CARVER LIVING ROOM. CARRIE AND LEXIE WALK TO THE SOFA, WHERE ABE AND JONAH ARE SITTING.

JONAH: (MOVING OVER TO MAKE ROOM FOR CARRIE) Everybody's right... You will be.

CARRIE: (SITTING DOWN) Yeah, but everybody's not going to be taking the stand on Monday. It's just me. My word against his.

ABE: You don't think that anyone's going to believe him over you, do you?

CARRIE: I don't know...

JONAH: Come on, Carrie. He's a criminal, he's scum! You're the daughter of a cop, one of Salem's finest.

LEXIE: You don't have to worry, Carrie. You're the one they're going to believe.

CARRIE: Still, I wish Austin could be there. He would corroborate my testimony.

ABE: Yeah, it's too bad about him...

CARRIE: What about him?

ABE: (REALIZING HE HAS SLIPPED) Oh, nothing...

CARRIE: Abe, come on. What do you know about Austin?

ABE: I'll tell you later. It's not the best time.

LEXIE: Don't be so mysterious. What is it?

ABE: All right. (BEAT) I was talking to Morgan the other day, and we got on the subject of the Bartoli case. I asked him if they had found any other witnesses. He said that Austin Reed was the only other witness to the attack.

JONAH: And?

ABE: I asked him if they had been able to track down Austin. He said they found him, but...

CARRIE: But what?

ABE: I'm sorry, Carrie, but... Austin's dead.

CARRIE LOOKS AT ABE AS IF HE WERE INSANE.

ABE: He's dead. (BEAT) I didn't get all of the details, but there was some kind of accident.

JONAH: (PUTTING HIS ARM AROUND CARRIE) Carrie, I'm sorry. I know you two were close...

CARRIE: It's okay... I'm okay. (BEAT) It's... weird.

LEXIE: What do you mean?

CARRIE: I've never had a friend... die before. I'm not sure how I'm supposed to react.

ABE: There's no certain way you're supposed to react. Everyone deals with it in their own way.

JONAH: And you have friends to help you through it.

CARRIE: Thanks, Jonah, that's really sweet. (BEAT) But it's not like you think.

JONAH: I don't understand.

CARRIE: Austin and I didn't part on the best of terms. (BEAT) I never wished him harm, but I didn't exactly give him a reason to stay.

JONAH: You shouldn't feel guilty...

CARRIE: I don't... not too much. But I feel bad when I think about how things ended.

LEXIE: It's sad when anyone dies so young.

ABE: Yeah...

CARRIE: It is. (BEAT) But I want to close that chapter of my life. I want to move on.

CARRIE LEANS BACK AND SIGHS.

OUT ON CARRIE.

SALEM FINE JEWELRY STORE. ANDY IS STANDING OUTSIDE THE STORE. HE WEARS BLACK JEANS, A BLACK JACKET AND A BLACK KNIT CAP. HE LOOKS AROUND IMPATIENTLY. HE IS JOINED BY HIS PARTNER, AMOS, WHO IS DRESSED SIMILARLY.

AMOS: I never worked on an alarm like this one before, okay? Give me a break.

ANDY: You knocked it out okay, though, right?

AMOS: Yeah. I took care of it. Quit worrying.

ANDY LOOKS AROUND THE DESERTED STREET AND QUICKLY PICKS THE LOCK. THEY OPEN THE DOOR AND ENTER THE STORE.

AMOS: Do what?

ANDY: Yeah. I mean, they don't lose no money. The insurance takes care of it. And we show them how bad their security is, so they know better later. Way I see it, we're doing them a favor.

AMOS: You're all heart, man.

ANDY: Thanks.

ANDY WALKS TO A DISPLAY CASE AND SMASHES THE GLASS. HE REACHES INSIDE AND BEGINS PUTTING THE JEWELRY INTO A BAG. AMOS DOES THE SAME THING ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE STORE. THEY BEGIN TO WORK THEIR WAY TOWARD THE MIDDLE. THERE IS A NOISE BEHIND THEM.

ANDY: Nah. Quit worrying.

THERE IS ANOTHER SOUND BEHIND THEM, AND A VOICE IN THE DARKNESS.

ANDY: What the hell...?

ANDY DROPS HIS BAG AND PUTS HIS HANDS ON HIS HEAD. HE TURNS AROUND TO FIND JOE AND BOB, TWO OF SALEM'S FINEST, POINTING FLASHLIGHTS AND GUNS AT HIM.

ANDY: Man, I thought you said...

AMOS: Guess I was wrong. I said I never saw one like that before.

HOLD ON THE POLICE CUFFING THEIR PRISONERS.

CUT TO: EUTERPE. IAN IS HOLDING EVE, IN PROGRESS.

IAN GIVES EVE A FINAL SQUEEZE AND THEN STEPS BACK.

IAN: Don't mention it. (HE GENTLY KISSES HER CHEEK, AND GRINS AT HER) Always happy to provide aid and comfort to a friend in need.

IAN TURNS AND WALKS TO THE CONTROL BOOTH TO TURN OFF THE MUSIC AND SHUT OFF THE LIGHTS. EVE LOOKS AFTER HIM SPECULATIVELY.

IAN WALKS OUT OF THE BOOTH.

EVE: No one... no one at all...

IAN: Whatever you say, Eve. (LOOKING AROUND) I think we're finished here. Let me get my coat and I'll walk you to the parking lot.

EVE NODS. IAN WALKS INTO THE BACK ROOM AS EVE WATCHES HIM.

HOLD ON EVE'S INTEREST.

CUT TO: SALEM PD INTERROGATION ROOM. ANDY IS SEATED AT A TABLE, WHILE JOE AND BOB QUESTION HIM. IN PROGRESS.

ANDY: (SMUG) Nope...

BOB: Excuse us if we're interrupting your day. But I'm afraid that slimeballs like you don't have a choice.

ANDY: Oh, I wouldn't say so.

BOB: Don't get smart with me, Mitchell. You're going away for a long time... a very long time.

ANDY: (MOCKING HORROR) No, say it ain't so.

JOE PICKS UP A THICK FILE AND SHOVES IT IN ANDY'S FACE.

ANDY SMILES COMPLACENTLY.

JOE PICKS UP A NEARBY PHONE.

JOE AND BOB START TO WALK OUT OF THE ROOM.

JOE: Why waste our time?

ANDY: I think you might be interested in a little piece of information that I have.

BOB: What the hell are you talking about?

ANDY: Let's just say it's something you'd love to get your hands on.

BOB: What is it?

ANDY: First, let me talk to someone about making a deal.

JOE GRUDGINGLY PICKS UP THE PHONE AGAIN. OUT ON ANDY'S COCKINESS.

JO'S APARTMENT. JO IS PACING AROUND THE LIVING ROOM, FREQUENTLY LOOKING AT HER WATCH.

SHE PICKS UP HER SUITCASE AND PUTS IN ON THE COUCH. SHE OPENS THE SUITCASE AND RUMMAGES THROUGH IT. SHE CLOSES THE SUITCASE.

SHE GOES OVER TO THE WALL AND CHECKS THE THERMOSTAT.

SHE GOES BACK TO THE COUCH AND SITS DOWN. SHE PICKS UP A SECTION OF THE SPECTATOR OFF THE COFFEE TABLE AND LOOKS THROUGH IT.

SHE QUICKLY FOLDS UP THE PAPER AND PUTS IT BACK ON THE COFFEE TABLE.

THERE IS A KNOCK AT THE DOOR.

SHE GOES TO THE DOOR.

WE HEAR VERN'S VOICE FROM THE OTHER SIDE OF THE DOOR.

JO OPENS THE DOOR AND VERN STEPS INSIDE.

JO: Hi.

VERN: Are you ready to go?

JO: (RELUCTANTLY) Well... I'm as ready as I'll ever be.

VERN: What's wrong? You seem kind of edgy.

JO: Yeah, I guess so.

VERN: What is it?

JO: It's Jack.

VERN: Jack. What about Jack?

JO: He knows.

VERN: He knows. What does he know?

JO: He knows about this weekend. He knows we're going away together.

VERN: (NERVOUSLY) Oh, boy.

JO: Uh-huh.

VERN: I just had a brief vision.

JO: A vision?

VERN: Yeah.

JO: Are you psychic?

VERN: I don't need to be psychic. I just had a vision of my life becoming a living hell, and Jack was cast in the devil's role...

JO: Maybe we shouldn't go. I'd understand if you want to call off this trip.

VERN: No. Absolutely not. I don't want to call it off.

JO: But what about Jack?

VERN: Sorry, he can't come.

THEY LAUGH.

JO: (SMILING) Okay.

VERN PICKS UP JO'S SUITCASE AND EXTENDS HIS FREE ARM. SHE LOCKS HER ARM IN HIS. HOLD ON THE TWO OF THEM, SMILING AT EACH OTHER.

CUT TO: DONOVAN LIVING ROOM. SHANE IS ON THE PHONE WITH KIMBERLY, IN PROGRESS.

SHANE HANGS UP THE PHONE, AS EVE WALKS IN THE DOOR.

EVE: (BRIGHTLY) About what, Dad? Late supper, maybe?

SHANE: Not supper, Eve, phone messages.

EVE: Phone messages...

SHANE: Perhaps you'd like to tell me who Percy is.

EVE: Percy?

SHANE: Yes, Percy.

EVE: Ummm... I don't know any Percy.

SHANE: If you don't know him, why did he leave a message for you?

EVE: Message? What did it say?

SHANE: That you owed him money.

EVE: Why that two-timing...

SHANE: Eve, who is this man?

EVE: Um... my stockbroker? I've... converted the money from my piggybank into stock... Yeah...

SHANE: I think not... And he didn't sound like any stockbroker I've ever heard...

EVE: Okay... he's my... my bookie! I've become a gambler, Dad, I play the ponies every day!

SHANE: Eve...

EVE: All right... He's... he's a deposed monarch from a foreign land, and I've been helping him finance a coup to regain his throne. He's promised to make me Queen if he succeeds...

SHANE: The truth, Eve.

EVE: Okay... he's... my dating consultant.

SHANE: Your what?

EVE: You know the situation, Dad. Money's been tight for me since I've been back. And Julie is being a hag about my money from Nick, so I only have one choice. Find a husband and get married, so I can get the inheritance.

SHANE: So you called a dating service?

EVE: Yes...

SHANE: Eve, how could you?

EVE: It seemed like the best way at the time...

SHANE: Of all the stupid... What makes you think Julie would believe you fell in love with someone from a dating service?

EVE: Dad!

SHANE: Not to mention the danger, Eve. You were going on dates with strangers! You could have been hurt... I can't believe money is so important to you, to take such risks... Haven't you learned yet that money isn't everything?

EVE LOOKS AT SHANE, STRICKEN. SHE OPENS HER MOUTH TO SPEAK, THEN TURNS AND RUNS UPSTAIRS. WE HEAR HER DOOR SLAM. HOLD ON SHANE'S INDIGNATION.

CUT TO: SALEM PD INTERROGATION ROOM. SPENCER IS NOW IN THE ROOM, SITTING ACROSS FROM ANDY. JOE AND BOB ARE STANDING ON EITHER SIDE OF SPENCER.

ANDY: That's right.

SPENCER: (LOOKING AT BOB) What do you have?

BOB: We caught him, and his partner, red-handed. The silent alarm was tripped when they entered. We got the call and responded.

JOE: And, lo and behold, there we find Amos and Andy, buying jewelry at a 100 percent discount.

BOB: It's a good bust... By the book.

SPENCER LEAFS THROUGH THE FILE FOLDER IN FRONT OF HIM.

ANDY: (SMUGLY) I don't think you'll want to do that, Mr. D.A.

SPENCER: Well, we'll see about that. (TURNING TO JOE AND THEN TO BOB) Gentlemen, could I speak to Mr. Mitchell alone?

BOB: Sure.

BOB AND JOE EXIT. SPENCER TURNS BACK TO ANDY.

ANDY: That's a pretty good hand, Mr. D.A.

SPENCER: I'd say the game's over. I'm going to take you into court and I'm going to get a conviction. (BEAT) Unless you have something that's going to make me change my mind.

ANDY: I do. I've got something you'll be really interested in.

SPENCER: I'm listening.

ANDY: First, I'll tell you what I want.. .

SPENCER: (INTERRUPTING) Wait a minute. I'm not...

ANDY: I want to walk on this burglary. I want all the charges dropped. I also want immunity in the situation I'm gonna tell you about.

SPENCER: As I was about to say, I'm not going to promise anything yet. You have to show me your hand.

ANDY PAUSES.

SPENCER: How do I know you're telling the truth?

ANDY: I've got tapes.

SPENCER: Will you testify?

ANDY: If that's what it takes to stay a free man, yeah.

SPENCER CLOSES THE FILE FOLDER. HE LOOKS INTENTLY AT ANDY.

ANDY: I thought we could.

SPENCER: I want one thing now.

ANDY: What's that?

SPENCER: The name of the person who paid for the Carver and Carver burglary.

ANDY: The name... Yeah, okay. I'll tell you. (BEAT) Alamain. Lawrence Alamain.

HOLD ON SPENCER'S GRIM EXPRESSION. AND OUT. FADE TO BLACK.